"This is a wonderful opportunity for the Colorado Rapids and Real Maryland FC said Rapids head coach Gary Smith. "Both clubs will benefit enormously in a relationship based on the identification recruitment and development of young players."

Real Maryland FC head coach Anthony Hudson added: "We’re very pleased with this partnership. The state of the game in MLS and USL is such that this kind of support is vital in order to develop players and move forward as clubs. We’re looking forward to a positive relationship with the Rapids."

This new partnership will allow Real Maryland FC to serve as a developmental training ground for higher-level endeavors and act as a feeder club for talented players to come to the Rapids. Selected Rapids players will also have the opportunity to go and compete with Real Maryland FC.

The agreement also includes future exhibition matches between the two clubs as well as shadowing opportunities for the Real Maryland FC coaching staff in Colorado.